California
California offers a diverse range of outdoor activities. The state boasts pristine coastlines, granite mountains, and expansive redwood forests. Travelers can explore the Alamere Falls, which empties directly into the Pacific Ocean, or visit McWay Falls in Big Sur, a prominent waterfall visible from Highway 1. For those interested in hiking, the Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest trail is a notable choice, while the Lands End Trail in San Francisco provides a scenic coastal walk. Whether you're looking to hike, camp, or simply enjoy the outdoors, California has something for everyone.
Top Spots in and near California
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Yosemite Valley, California
Snowshoe to Snow Creek
5.010.97 mi / 3550 ft gainTake the Valley shuttle to Mirror Lake Trailhead where you will begin your hike. After a flat 2 miles, you will begin the steep three miles up to snow creek as you take one switch back after the next. This steep climb will reward you with beautiful views of Tenaya Canyon and give you a differen...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Methuselah and El Corte De Madera Creek Loop
6.5 mi / 1778 ft gainThis loop hike will provide people with the opportunity to experience the tranquility of the lower canyons of the preserve, which tend to be more isolated than the heavier-trafficked trails that are closer to the main highway. Be warned that this hike is fairly strenuous because of the large amo...Read more -
San Diego County, California
Hike to Mountain Palm Springs, Anza Borrego SP
3 mi / 350 ft gainAt first glance the Anza-Borrego desert appears lifeless, a wasteland of rocky plain peaks rising up from Carrizo Plains covered in Cholla cactus and Ocotillo. But one of the surprises is a mirage of California fan palm groves hidden in a series of canyons.The Mountain Palm Springs oasis loop is ...Read more -
Whitethorn, California
Chinquapin Loop on The Lost Coast
4.07.87 mi / 2159 ft gainI did this hike the day before setting out on a backpacking trip along the northern section of The Lost Coast Trail and it was a fantastic warm up hike. The Chinquapin Loop is a loop off of The Lost Coast Trail along Chemise Mountain, near the start of the southern section of the LCT. You can st...Read more -
June Lake, California
Parker Lake Trail
5.03.55 mi / 584 ft gainParker Lake is tucked beneath the giant mountains of Mount Wood, Mount Lewis, and Parker Peak. I hiked the Parker Lake trail during peak foliage season and I was blown away by the amazing fall colors. The trail starts off with a steady and rocky climb. After you pass the elevation gain, the trail...Read more -
Sequoia National Park, California
Camp at Buckeye Flat in Sequoia National Park
Entering Sequoia National Park at the Ash Mountain Entrance near the small city of Three Rivers, follow Highway 198 (Generals Highway) through the park until you see a sign for Buckeye Flat Campground off to the right. The campground sign is immediately after you see signs for Hospital Rock. Foll...Read more -
Ojai, California
Couch Rock
3.51.3 mi / 627 ft gainDriving up Gridley Road away from Ojai you’ll come upon a small parking lot on your left and a gate barring the way to a dirt road. Park here, as close to the mountainside as possible and head onto the trail. Follow the trail until you see pass a bench, and start heading downhill. Keep your eye...Read more -
Arnold, California
Climb Lookout Peak in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness
5.04 mi / 1900 ft gainLookout Peak in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness off Highway 4 provides solitude and wonderful views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada including the Mokelumnee and Emigrant Wildernesses. Even on summer weekends you'll likely have the peak and surrounding area all to yourself.Lookout Peak can be done ...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Rock Climb at Eagle Lake Cliffs
4 miTo Access Eagle Lake Cliffs Crag, head to the West Shore of South Lake Tahoe. You’ll want to park at Emerald Bay Parking Lot and head to the trail register. It’s almost always packed, so come early, or plan to park on the road and walk. Sign yourself and your party number in for the day access pa...Read more -
Claremont, California
Stoddard Canyon Falls (Baldy Slide Waterfall)
0.74 mi / 174 ft gainLocated near the Angeles National Forest, it's a short hike, approx. 0.75 miles roundtrip and just about anybody can go. To get there, input the intersection of Mt. Baldy Rd. and Barrett Stoddard Truck Trail into your GPS. This will bring you to a small dirt parking lot. The trailhead starts a...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Backpack from Mammoth Mountain to Yosemite Valley via the John Muir Trail
5.052 mi / 6300 ft gainCross country hiking can be a daunting idea. There are so many things to plan for, and such a long distance to cover. If you are an experienced backpacker, and you want to get a taste of hiking on the John Muir Trail this hike might interest you. Planning GPS Map (Caltopo): https://caltopo.com...Read more -
Calistoga, California
Hike Bald Hill in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
3.2 mi / 1200 ft gainBald Hill is the first serious peak/summit that can be reached via the Oat Hill Mine Trail as it breaks from the more popular loop and heads into the heart of Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. To get there you can either begin at the less frequently used trailhead at Picket and Rosedale Roads he...Read more -
Santa Barbara County, California
Black Mountain via Cherry Canyon Trail
6.54 mi / 1329 ft gainWords fail in describing the beauty of the Channel Islands National Park and Santa Rosa Island, the second largest of the Channel Islands and perhaps the most diverse in terms of terrain, flora and fauna, and also the only to allow backcountry beach camping. While the opportunities for exploratio...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Backpack Virginia Lakes to Green Creek
10.5 mi / 1234 ft gainKeep in mind that this is a point to point hike, so you will need to park a vehicle at Green Creek trailhead in Bridgeport as well as your start point at Virginia Lakes Resort.Starting at 9,886' at The Virginia Lakes Trailhead, you will begin by heading Northwest towards Virginia Pass. During yo...Read more -
Mount Baldy, California
Sunset Peak via South Trailhead
4.07.16 mi / 1493 ft gainIn order to get to the Sunset Peak Trailhead, utilize Google Maps to take you to the location provided. There is very little parking (only a small pull off along Glendora Ridge Road), but this trail is rarely traveled, so there should be enough space regardless of the time you decide to hike! Jus...Read more -
Big Bear Lake, California
Grand View Point
6.9 mi / 1312 ft gainGrand View Point is accessed via Pine Knot Trail, a 6.5 mile out and back hiking trail located at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area, 1 mile from Big Bear Village. With its close proximity to town, Pine Knot Trail is popular in the summer with mountain bikers and the trailhead is often crowded in the win...Read more
